New Testament
Mark 5:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But Jesus did not allow him. Instead, he said, "Go home to your friends and tell them all the great things the Lord has done for you and how He has had compassion on you."
Compare translations
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
What Mark 5:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus encounters a man who has been freed from demonic possession. The man wants to follow Jesus, but instead, Jesus instructs him to return home and share his story with his friends. This highlights the importance of personal testimony in spreading the message of God's compassion and power. Jesus emphasizes that the man should tell others about the great things God has done for him, which serves as a way to witness to the community. This act of sharing not only affirms the man's healing but also encourages others to recognize God's work in their lives. It shows that everyone has a role in sharing their experiences of faith and transformation, making it a communal effort to spread hope and healing.
How to apply Mark 5:19 to your life
We can learn from this verse the importance of sharing our personal experiences of faith and healing with others. By telling our stories, we can inspire hope and encourage those around us to recognize the compassion and greatness of God in their own lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Freeing a Man from Demons (Mark 5:1–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 5:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 5:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 5:19 mean?
Mark 5:19 describes Jesus instructing a man who was healed from demonic possession to return home and share his story of healing with his friends. This emphasizes the importance of personal testimony in spreading the message of God's compassion and power.
What is the significance of sharing personal testimony in Mark 5:19?
In Mark 5:19, sharing personal testimony is significant because it allows individuals to witness the transformative power of God in their lives. By telling others about their experiences, they can inspire hope and encourage their community to recognize God's work.
What does Jesus mean by 'great things' in Mark 5:19?
In Mark 5:19, 'great things' refers to the miraculous healing and compassion that the Lord has shown to the man. It highlights the profound impact of God's actions in his life and serves as a basis for his testimony to others.
How does Mark 5:19 relate to community and faith?
Mark 5:19 relates to community and faith by illustrating how personal stories of healing can strengthen and inspire others. The man's testimony serves as a way to connect with his friends and encourage them to recognize God's compassion in their own lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.